YORK, Pa. — Bright Nights York gets underway tomorrow, Nov. 15 at WellSpan Park and runs through Dec. 30.
While enjoying the bright lights, you can make a difference by donating to a different cause each week.
$1.00 from every ticket purchased will benefit Give Local York.
Coats of Friendship, a non-profit created by two York boys, is the first beneficiary.
Week One (11/15 – 11/21) : Share the warmth! Coats of Friendship is asking for donations of coats, hats, gloves, scarves and snow pants to distribute directly to those in need within York County.
Coats of Friendship's mission is making their community a little warmer, one coat at a time.
Tristian Rankin was inspired to start the non-profit when he was just 6-years-old , after seeing a video of a homeless boy online.
Now in its 11th season, it's become a family tradition, with his brother Emmerson.
"As I’ve grown up, it's just a part of me now and I wouldn't trade it for the world," said Emmerson Rankin. "It’s us going out there every day, helping all those people."
The brothers are now in their teens, and each year 'Coats of Friendship' continues to grow.
This year, they hope to collect 10,000 jackets for neighbors in need, before the snow falls.
Specifically, they have a need for larger men’s jackets but say they take all winter wear.
If you have warm items to spare, you can drop them off at more than 30 bins located across York County.
And the boys say, they've seen the impact something as simple as a coat can make for someone in need, first hand.
"It's beyond words how much it means to me that everybody has come together," said Tristian Rankin.
If you are in need of a jacket, Coats of Friendship is holding its' annual distribution event November 16th.
You can stop by the Union Lutheran Church in York from 1 to 3 p.m.
And if you're going through your closet and want to make a donation, you can also bring it to the entrance of WellSpan Park.
Donations will be accepted there through Nov. 21.
You can get tickets to Bright Nights York here.